WEP WiFi Security - significant risk?

[Golactico]

I have recently had a replacement BT Homehub 3 installed. Once installed, I found that although all other WiFi devices connected, my Sony Xperia U phone would not. After a bit of Googling, I discovered that this was due to the fact that the new Homehub WiFi security was set to WPA which was 'too secure' to allow my phone to connect. The solution was to reset the router to WEP security, which I have done and now all my devices, including my phone connect to the router with no problems.

 

Although pleased that I've now got everything working, I'm a bit concerned that a lot of websites and forums advise against using WEP as it is an outdated security protocol and is easy to hack. Can anyone more clued up than me advise whether I am exposing myself to any significant risk by using WEP and if so, is there an alternative solution that gives secure WiFi AND connectivity with all of my deviices including my phone?

[S-Clarke]

WEP isn't secure and I'd recommend against using this at all costs, it's an easier mechanism to crack and is quite commonly cracked all over the world. (Takes about 2mins max to crack)

 

It's safer to use WPA2, which although can be cracked, isn't as easy.

 

I'd say 90% of devices support WPA and WPA2 now, so I'd have a look to see if you can get a firmeware or software update for your phone to enable it. Or if it's a trade off between overall security and connecting a mobile phone, I'd go with overall security.

[twopintsnilnil]

I'd say do a bit of risk analysis. It's certainly true that WEP is not secure under certain circumstances. However, those circumstances include someone wanting to hack your wifi, having the knowledge to do it, not to mention having the ability to glean useful information from a hacked connection. They could just be nicking bandwidth, but then it would likely be your next door neighbour and you would see that in the router log. They could do a bit of vandalism and deny you access to the router, but you have the reset button. WPA is good advice, but may not be worth it.

 

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[hutch]

Does the Hub have Wireless MAC filtering option? Using that in addition to WEP will give you more security from casual hackers just looking to steal your bandwith or share your porn. A determined hacker will get in whatever you do.

[Big Bad Bob]

Does the Hub have Wireless MAC filtering option? Using that in addition to WEP will give you more security from casual hackers just looking to steal your bandwith or share your porn. A determined hacker will get in whatever you do.

 

This and don't broadcast your SSID either.

 

I believe that on the HomeHub you can also create a virtual network for WEP that runs alongside the WPA2 network. Not that that would help really..

[Gambol2K9]

WEP isn't secure in the least bit, takes no time to crack and would then allow somebody to access your devices.

 

Wouldn't recommend it.

[Golactico]

Thanks to all for the really helpful replies. I think I'll stick with my current arrangement for now but make sure that I change to a WPA compliant phone before too long.

 

Cheers